OREANDA-NEWS. Mainboard-listed SIA Engineering Company Limited ("SIAEC") and Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq:SSYS), the 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions company, today announced jointly the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU"), to establish a strategic partnership specialising in additive manufacturing to accelerate the adoption of 3D printed production parts for commercial aviation.

Under the MOU signed today, the parties will explore a joint venture to be majority owned by SIAEC. This strategic partnership combines Stratasys’ deep knowhow and expertise in additive manufacturing, including in the aerospace segment, with SIAEC’s comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul ("MRO") service offerings to provide airline customers across the globe with scheduled maintenance and on-demand parts solutions.

Together, the parties intend to establish a Singapore-based Additive Manufacturing Service Centre, offering design, engineering, certification support and part production to SIAEC’s well-established network of partners and customers. Stratasys will provide the domain expertise related to additive manufacturing and drive the development of aerospace applications together with SIAEC.

Mr Png Kim Chiang, Chief Executive Officer of SIAEC, said: "We are delighted to partner with Stratasys, a leader in its field, in our pursuit of innovation and the adoption of the latest additive manufacturing technologies. Our collaboration will strengthen SIAEC’s comprehensive suite of MRO solutions and enhance our support to customers, especially in the region."

"This strategic partnership marks an important milestone for additive manufacturing in the aviation industry," commented Mr Ilan Levin, CEO of Stratasys. "As we have shown with our existing relationships with leading aerospace manufacturers, including Airbus and Boeing, we are committed to advancing the use of additive manufacturing for high requirement aerospace applications. By working closely with SIAEC, we are extending that focus to solve the unique challenges of the MRO segment and further drive adoption."

The transaction is not expected to have a material impact on the financial performance of SIAEC or Stratasys in FY2017/18. None of the Directors of SIAEC or Stratasys has any interest, direct or indirect, in the transaction.